PLDT, NTSC Join Forces for Intensified Fight vs Cable Thieves

PLDT, through its Asset Protection & Security Risk Governance (APSRG) Group, is spearheading tighter industry-wide collaboration to protect telco infrastructure with the launch of ‘Oplan Balikatan’ with fellow members of the National Telecommunications Security Council (NTSC) to ensure the continuous delivery of connectivity and digital services in communities.

Spearheaded by the PLDT APSRG team in June 2021 for the mutual protection of telco infrastructure nationwide, the NTSC is an industry-wide alliance of corporate security professionals representing the country’s major telecommunications companies, including PLDT, Smart, Globe Telecom, DITO, Converge ICT Solutions, and other stakeholders.

‘Oplan Balikatan’ is an expansion of PLDT’s existing Bayanihan campaign, which aims to strengthen ties between telcos and barangays to protect telco equipment and enhance community vigilance to combat cable thieves and vandals.

"Keeping our communities safe and connected is an effort that needs all of us. By standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our colleagues from other telcos and our partners from the local government, we can embody the true spirit of Balikatan, and empower our respective communities as well,” said Col. Wilfredo Gonio, Head of PLDT and Smart’s Security Central Command & Administration Center, APSRG.

In its pilot Balikatan session in Brgy Upper Bicutan, Taguig City, representatives from PLDT led by GMM South Asset Protection Division (APD) Head Willie S. Antalan, Jr., Security Risk Management, Head Lucky Arjay V. Macapilit, and GMM South APD Team Head Jonie Prinzes Marie Valle, joined NTSC members led by Col Jaime Fernando Hidalgo (Ret), along with Jerome Rubrico and Eugene Carlos of DITO, Gerald Bechayda of Globe and Joel Trinidad of Converge in a dialogue with officials and security personnel of Brgy Upper Bicutan led by barangay chair Francisco Sunga.

In addition to discussing telco-related concerns of the barangay, NTSC also turned over Barangay iProtect items for use by the barangay police during their patrol duties, which included coffee mugs, reflectorized vests, security batons, and handcuffs.

“Across the industry, we may be competitors, but when it comes to securing our networks, we share a common responsibility. Through NTSC, we are working as one to deter illegal activities and ensure reliable service for the communities we all serve,” said NTSC Chairman Gen Ramiro Manuel Rey (Ret) of Converge ICT Solutions. “The safety and connectivity of our communities are our joint priority. Under NTSC, we can combine resources and expertise to protect our infrastructure and keep essential digital services running.”

Through its network protection and community security initiatives, the PLDT group, together with its telco partners, is helping create safer, more resilient communities where digital inclusion can thrive, through a community-centric approach that strengthens trust, fosters accountability, and ensures that technology continues to serve as a bridge to progress for millions of Filipinos.

These initiatives are also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

COLORFUL Unveils iGame B850I MINI OC V14 Motherboard for High-Performance Mini-ITX Builds

Shenzhen, China – COLORFUL Technology Company Limited has officially introduced the iGame B850I MINI OC V14, a powerful Mini-ITX motherboard designed for gamers, content creators, and PC enthusiasts seeking premium performance in compact desktop builds. First showcased during COMPUTEX 2026, the motherboard combines advanced overclocking capabilities, next-generation connectivity, and robust power delivery in a space-saving form factor.

Despite its compact Mini-ITX dimensions, the iGame B850I MINI OC V14 is engineered to deliver enthusiast-level performance. It features a robust 9+2+1 phase power design with 60A DrMOS stages, allowing it to handle flagship AMD Ryzen processors, including the Ryzen 9 9950X, under demanding workloads. This makes it an ideal platform for users looking to build a powerful small form factor (SFF) gaming or productivity PC.

One of the motherboard's standout features is its dedicated clock generator, making it the only motherboard in its class to support asynchronous overclocking. Combined with a premium 10-layer server-grade low-loss PCB, the motherboard offers exceptional signal integrity for memory tuning. Users can achieve stable DDR5 XMP, and EXPO memory speeds up to 8400MHz, while experienced overclockers can push memory frequencies beyond 8800MHz through manual tuning.

The iGame B850I MINI OC V14 is also designed to complement COLORFUL's iGame MINI OC Series graphics cards, featuring a sleek black-and-silver aesthetic for visually cohesive SFF builds. Whether installed in a minimalist gaming case or a premium showcase chassis, the motherboard delivers both style and performance.

Connectivity is another major highlight. The motherboard supports dual PCIe 5.0 M.2 SSD slots, enabling ultra-fast storage performance for gaming, creative workloads, and everyday computing. Networking is equally future-ready with integrated 5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring fast and reliable wired and wireless connections.

The rear I/O panel includes a USB 20Gbps Type-C port alongside a total of eight USB ports, plus HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, providing connectivity options typically found on larger Micro-ATX motherboards.

The COLORFUL iGame B850I MINI OC V14 is now available through select partner resellers, with broader market availability expected in Q3 2026. For pricing and regional availability, interested customers are encouraged to contact their local COLORFUL Technology representative.

With its combination of compact design, premium features, and next-generation technologies, the iGame B850I MINI OC V14 sets a new benchmark for Mini-ITX motherboards built for modern AMD Ryzen systems.

Globe, Ayala Group Volunteers Support Earthquake Recovery in GenSan and Sarangani

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines — Globe, Ayala Foundation, and the WeAreAyala Business Club (WAABC) Davao provided relief assistance to 1,300 families affected by the recent earthquakes in Mindanao. Through the #GlobeOfGood initiative, the partners distributed relief packs to these families in Barangay Ligaya, General Santos City, and Alabel, Sarangani. Beyond immediate aid, the initiative also offered digital literacy and psychosocial wellness activities to support affected communities.

Recognizing the need for trusted information during emergencies, Globe conducted anti-fraud and online scam awareness sessions for parents and senior citizens through its #SeniorDigizen program. Participants learned how to identify online threats, verify information sources, and practice responsible digital citizenship, helping them stay safe from scams and misinformation.

Children affected by the earthquake also received psychosocial support through Project Aruga, led by volunteers from the psychology community in General Santos City. Through play-based activities and guided group sessions, the program created a safe space for children to express their emotions, process their experiences, and reconnect with their peers.

The relief mission brought together 110 volunteers from Globe, Ayala Foundation, Makati Development Corporation, and other Ayala Group companies. Their collective effort helped deliver assistance on the ground while demonstrating the spirit of volunteerism and collaboration that drives the Ayala Group's response to communities in need.

"Challenging times test the resilience of communities, but they also inspire acts of generosity and solidarity. At Globe, we are proud to work alongside our partners and fellow volunteers in supporting affected families and helping communities recover and move forward together,” said James Lopez, the Head of External Affairs for Mindanao at Globe. Lopez also serves as Chairman of the Board of the WeAreAyala Business Club Davao.

Barangay Captain of Bgy. Ligaya, Rolando E. Tapel welcomed the support extended to residents, noting the impact of the assistance on families working to recover from the earthquake.

“Daghang Salamat sa tabang sa Ayala Group nga ang among barangay sa GenSan ang napili para sa food packs. Dako kaayo ning tabang para sa amoa. Nagpasalamat ko sa mga volunteers nga nagpasiugda niiini. Salamat gayud!”

"We sincerely thank the Ayala Group for choosing and extending assistance to our barangay in General Santos. The food packs provided much-needed support to many families, and we are equally grateful to the volunteers whose dedication made this outreach possible," he shared.

Ayala Foundation underscored the importance of bringing together different sectors to help communities move from immediate response to long-term recovery. "Recovery is not only about addressing urgent needs after a disaster. It is also about helping communities rebuild their confidence, strengthen support systems, and become better prepared for future challenges. Through collaboration and volunteerism, we can create meaningful opportunities for families to recover and move forward," said Cenen Milan Jr., Lead and Senior Manager for the Corporate Citizenship and Volunteerism Program at Ayala Foundation.

“WAABC is built on the belief that we can make a greater impact when we come together. Through the combined efforts of employees across the Ayala Group, we are able to support communities not only in times of crisis, but also in their journey toward recovery,” said Lopez.

The initiative demonstrates how partnerships can deliver support that addresses both immediate and long-term community needs. More than a relief effort, the initiative reflects a collective commitment to helping communities recover, rebuild, and move forward together.

For more information about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

Jollibee Scores Double Victory at PR Awards Asia-Pacific

Jollibee Philippines earned gold and bronze honors at the 25th PR Awards Asia-Pacific for campaigns recognized in the Esports/Gaming and PR Event categories.

The brand was awarded Gold for its "Jollibee GameJoy Combos" campaign under the Esports/Gaming category for integrating gaming culture into its engagement strategy to reach younger audiences. The initiative, a promotional dining program in partnership with UniPin, bundles select meals with GameJoy Credits Mystery Cards that can be redeemed as in-game credits across thousands of online titles, linking food purchases with gaming rewards.

It also received a Bronze award in the PR Event category for "Reimagining Mealtime as a National Literacy Movement" through Jollibee's Kids Values Meals initiative in partnership with Adarna House. The program offers educational storybooks that promote core Filipino values such as honesty, respect, generosity, responsibility, and environmental stewardship. Each meal package includes food, a storybook, an activity sheet, and a reward sticker, with a portion of proceeds helping fund classroom construction nationwide.

The PR Awards Asia-Pacific, organized by Campaign Asia-Pacific, is a regional industry program that recognizes communications campaigns, agencies, and professionals across the region.

Craving more Jollibee treats and exclusives? Head to www.jollibee.com.ph for the latest updates, order your favorites at https://order.jollibee.com, and follow us on social media for more JOYful surprises!

Globe Boosts 5G Connectivity in Dumaguete City

DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental — Globe has strengthened its 5G connectivity in Dumaguete City through network enhancements that improve performance, capacity, and customer experience.

The city is now served by more than 30 5G sites, bringing its total mobile sites in the area to over 40 cell sites. Globe has also expanded its fiber infrastructure, with more than 330,000 kilometers of Globe Fiber coverage helping meet the increasing demand for reliable connectivity and high-speed internet services for households and businesses.

The network enhancement benefits Dumaguete City's approximately 145,000 residents by strengthening the digital infrastructure that supports education, tourism, public services, and economic activity. With enhanced 5G performance, residents and visitors can enjoy faster downloads, video and content streaming, smoother online gaming, and more reliable connectivity. The upgraded network also improves access to online learning platforms, digital resources, essential services, and real-time travel information, helping build a more connected and digitally empowered community.

"Connectivity continues to play an important role in helping communities access opportunities, services, and information. Through our ongoing investments in 5G and network enhancements, we are providing customers in Dumaguete City with a better mobile experience that supports their everyday needs and enables them to participate more fully in the digital economy," said Jun Juada, Business Head for Western Visayas at Globe.

Known as the City of Gentle People, Dumaguete remains an important education and tourism hub in Central Visayas. Enhanced 5G connectivity supports students, educators, businesses, and travelers by enabling seamless access to digital tools, information, and services while exploring the city's cultural and tourism destinations.

Globe encourages customers to maximize the benefits of the upgraded network by using 5G-capable devices. Customers can also use the GlobeOne app to manage accounts, monitor usage, register promos, pay bills, and access support services, including broadband repair requests.

The enhanced 5G experience in Dumaguete City reflects Globe's continuing investments in provincial areas to improve the quality of life, strengthen digital access, and deliver better connectivity for customers and communities.

For more information about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.